School Bullies in Singapore to Face Caning
Tuesday, 2026/05/12223 words3 minutes3637 reads
Singapore has introduced controversial new guidelines permitting corporal punishment for school bullies, though Education Minister Desmond Lee stressed that caning would be administered only as a last resort with stringent safeguards. The policy has reignited debate over Singapore's continued use of corporal punishment, which persists in both educational and criminal justice contexts despite persistent criticism from human rights organizations.
The guidelines, unveiled by the Ministry of Education last month, stipulate that students guilty of serious misconduct, including bullying, may receive one to three strokes of the cane. Minister Lee defended the practice in parliament, stating that schools employ caning only when other disciplinary measures prove inadequate given the gravity of the offense. He emphasized that strict protocols ensure student safety, including mandatory principal approval and administration exclusively by authorized teachers.
The punishment applies solely to male students in upper primary levels (ages 9-12) and above, as the Criminal Procedure Code prohibits caning women. Female offenders face alternative consequences such as detention, suspension, or conduct grade adjustments. Following punishment, schools are required to monitor students' well-being and provide counseling support.
Caning in Singapore represents a legacy of British colonial rule, though the United Kingdom has long since abolished corporal punishment. A recent WHO report characterized corporal punishment as "alarmingly widespread" and cited "overwhelming scientific evidence" demonstrating its harmful effects on children's health and development.
